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7. That we ought not to decide by the Precepts of Religion what belongs only to the Law of Nature.
  
  
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26.7. 7. That we ought not to decide by the Precepts of Religion what
belongs only to the Law of Nature.

The Abassines have a most severe lent of fifty days, which weakens them to such a degree that for a long time they are incapable of business: the Turks do not fail to attack them after their lent. [17] Religion ought, in favour of the natural right of self-defence, to set bounds to these customs.

The Jews were obliged to keep the Sabbath; but it was an instance of great stupidity in this nation not to defend themselves when their enemies chose to attack them on this day. [18]

Cambyses, laying siege to Pelusium, set in the first rank a great number of those animals which the Egyptians regarded as sacred; the consequence was that the soldiers of the garrison durst not molest them. Who does not see that self-defence is a duty superior to every precept?

Footnotes

[17]

"Collection of Voyages that Contributed to the Establishment of the East India Company," vol. iv, part I, pp. 35 and 103.

[18]

As they did when Pompey besieged the Temple. Dio, xxxvii, 16.